A former journalist has vowed to get to the truth about his mother’s death after she was allegedly assaulted in a care home.

Richard Uridge says he will do “everything in our power” to uncover what happened to Shiela Hartman, a few hours after an alleged assault in which she sustained several injuries at a care home in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Police are investigating the death of the 88-year-old, who was blind and living with dementia.

Richard, pictured, began his career on the Reading Chronicle and later worked for the BBC.

The 61-year-old, who lives near Ludlow, told the Shropshire Star: “I was able to hold her hand as she died, to tell her how much she was loved and also to promise her – and she was a remarkably practical woman – that we would do everything in our power to find out exactly what led to her death and what lessons might be learned from it at three levels: individual, corporate and societal.”

“I am determined to use my voice to try to make a difference on this. My mother used to say you are either an ‘oughta’ or a ‘doer’. It is now my motivating mantra, I am following her advice to be a do-er.”

Richard’s mother died in hospital on Sunday 2 October. A police inquiry into the circumstances of her death is ongoing.

A spokesperson for Ridgeway Lodge Care Home, in Dunstable, said: “We have all been deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one of our residents and the circumstances surrounding their death.

“Our deepest condolences are with their family and loved ones at this extraordinarily difficult time.

“Given the circumstances involved, we are working hard to support colleagues and residents at the home who have been affected.

“We are also working closely with the relevant authorities and the police to establish the full facts of the matter. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”